FloTHERM is powerful 3D computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software that predicts airflow and heat transfer in and around electronic equipment, from components and boards up to complete systems. Learn More →

Water Hammer

Problem

Pressure surge, or “water hammer”, occurs when rapid changes to fluid velocity occur in a pipeline system. We most commonly experience it in its most benign form as the ‘knocking’ sound sometimes heard when a domestic tap is quickly closed. However, on an industrial scale, it can be severe enough to cause catastrophic component failure. It is therefore essential that designers of pipeline systems understand the likely pressure response of their networks to planned (normal shut down and check valve operations) and unplanned events (pump/valve failures etc.). This knowledge can be used to select and choose appropriate surge mitigation strategies and devices.

Recommended Solutions

The computational engine that powers Flowmaster is specifically designed to track pressure waves and predict vapor cavity formation in systems. This capability is augmented by a comprehensive component database based upon the industry renowned work Internal Flow Systems. This ensures that accurate pressure predictions are assured at all operating conditions.

Flowmaster contains all the tools an engineer will need to analyze the transient response of a pipeline system: the empirical data that underpins the component library provides unprecedented accuracy, while the method of characteristics solver and cavity prediction tool allow for even the most severe surge events to be readily predicted.

The component library encompasses a range of common surge alleviation devices such as gas admission valves and surge tanks, which allows for the most effective method to be selected and sized from the earliest stages of the design process.

FloEFD offers engineers the opportunity to carry out accurate three-dimensional computer simulations of components without the overhead usually associated with 3D computational fluid dynamics. Embedded within a range of commonly used CAD tools, it uses a unique and well validated approach to solve for even the most complex of geometries in quick time.

The ability to export results from parametric studies in FloEFD affords designers the opportunity to augment the Flowmaster component library with bespoke performance data.

Cooling Systems

Size components, virtually prototype different design scenarios.

The combination of large scale, high flow-rate and rapid actuation makes fire mains particularly vulnerable to water hammer.

Fire Mains

Problem

Fire mains form the backbone of fire fighting strategies for sea going vessels and process plants of any appreciable size. From a hydraulic perspective, they bring together three elements (scale, flow-rate and short response time) that make them particularly vulnerable to water hammer.

Careful analysis and design is therefore essential to ensure that installed systems fulfil their required role.

Recommended Solution

Flowmaster enables designers to accurately predict the performance of both open and closed loop systems in steady state and transient. Flow rates to different points of the network can be easily balanced and – if required – surge alleviation measure evaluated and sized.

Water Systems

Design of Heat Exchangers

Problem

The design, selection and placement of heat exchangers is of increasing importance given the trend toward increased interaction between systems; constraints on size and weight and the increased emphasis on efficiency. Computational fluid dynamics offers those concerned with these issues the opportunity to consider not only novel unit designs, but also the performance of the system as a whole under different scenarios.

Recommended Solutions

FloEFD’s CAD-embedded CFD solution enables designers to assess the performance of new designs without the need to learn a new interface. Furthermore, its unique meshing system allows even the most complex geometries to be tackled with the minimum user effort.

Flowmaster’s library of heat exchanger components provides a powerful resource for those considering the system level response of a heat exchanger network. The library ranges from the very basic through to sophisticated models that allow engineers to study different geometrical arrangements within the heat exchanger. And users may enhance the catalogue with their own performance data if desired.

Many industrial processes require the safe handling of toxic and/or high temperature gases

Industrial Gas Networks

Problem

The transportation and handling of gas is an issue present in many industrial processes. These gases may be at elevated temperatures, high flow rates, toxic or any combination of the above. Therefore it is not only essential to understand any proposed network well in order to design the most efficient plant, it is also an absolute requirement for establishing a safe operating environment.

Recommended Solutions

Flowmaster enables engineers to build virtual prototypes of their pipelines, enabling components to be sized, different configurations assessed, insulation requirements judged and safety critical scenarios evaluated. Its compressible solver can handle both real and ideal gas models and is complemented by a comprehensive NIST database of fluid properties.

FloEFD complements the Flowmaster solution by enabling the loss characteristics of components not covered in the standard Flowmaster catalogue to be evaluated and easily imported into Flowmaster. In addition, its unique meshing technology allows complex geometries to be easily simulated, meaning that simulations of plume dispersal from chimney’s or flares can be easily handled.

Ensure adequate ventilation reaches all parts of a facility or that clean rooms are suitably served by fresh air and exhaust networks.

FloEFD allows both quantitative and qualitative results to be analyzed in the native CAD environment.

Ventilation/Contaminant Dispersal

Problem

Airflow is a complex phenomenon, subtle geometry changes or changes in temperature can result in very different flow patterns. This has particular importance where the designer needs to consider the dispersal of pollutants in laboratories, cleanrooms or hospitals. A thorough understanding of the response over a range of likely operating scenarios is essential:

For cleanrooms it is important to trace numerous contaminants through it- whether they are clothing particles or other larger sources of contaminants.

In healthcare facilities, airborne viruses and bacteria can be a threat to both patients and staff. These can have a devastating impact depending on where this exposure occurs, whether it’s in a patient room, isolation room or operating room. It is important to be able to control or eliminate these contaminants through the effective design of ventilation systems.

In laboratories, it is important that the overall ventilation system for the space does not compromise the effectiveness of the fume hoods. In particular, potentially hazardous chemical vapors could escape from the fume hood and create danger for the scientists within the room.

Recommended Solutions

FloEFD’s CAD embedded simulation package combines a unique approach to meshing with demonstrably high levels of accuracy. It can thus be readily applied to complex geometries and scenarios. FloEFD can deliver information on both comfort parameters and calculate local mean age and local air change index parameters. It also allows tracer studies to be carried out to track the dispersal rate of gases and particulates.

FloVENT offers a powerful solver to quickly assess the ventilation of internal environments. Designed specifically for this task, its interface is designed to aid engineers in obtaining useful results quickly and easily. FloVENT features a comprehensive model creation environment for HVAC airflow modeling design. A wide range of models can be assembled quickly from a complete set of SmartParts (intelligent model creation macros). SmartParts capture modeling expertise, streamlines model creation, minimizes solve times and so maximizes solution accuracy.

FloEFD frees engineers from the usual design constraints and allows them to consider novel configurations. Image courtesy of AEG.

Device Design

Create safe and well ventilated work environments with modern simulation tools.

Problem

It is increasingly the case that modern devices, of whatever type, are both smaller and more powerful than they were a decade before. Thermal management is thus an essential consideration for the designer. The number, sizing and placement of vents or fins and the internal flow paths for the cooling medium are parameters well suited to analysis via computer simulation.

Recommended Solution

Both FloEFD and FloTHERM XT leverage the power of meshing technology that enables even the most complex of geometries to be quickly and efficiently discretized. While FloEFD is an excellent CAD-embedded general purpose CFD package, well suited to the design task, FloTHERM XT focuses on electronics cooling, with a library of ‘SmartParts’ which cover the most commonly found electronic components.